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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Book giveaway

I've mostly stayed off my feet this week in a pre-emptive — though hopefully unnecessary —hurty-foot recovery plan to avoid plantar fasciitis. Instead, I completed three solid bike rides, one mountain and two road, all in the 25-to-30-mile, 3,500-feet-of-climbing range. Where I live, at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, there a few appealing routes that don't involve at least 3,000 feet of gain. I can either grunt up to elevation or spin through suburban streets and traffic, so I choose the climb, every time. I think the constant climbing has helped improve my strength as a runner, even though I clock significantly more hours on my bikes than on foot. Of course, riding bikes does nothing to help me improve the areas where I'm really weak, such as downhill running and foot strength. I'm in a unique position because I love ultrarunning races but don't necessarily enjoy training runs; and while I love riding bikes, I'm not all that crazy about racing them. I wish there was a way I could do all of my weekday training on bikes and still survive long weekend runs. Yes, I want it all.

Meanwhile, Beat has really taken to my singlespeed, the old and busted Surly Karate Monkey. Even though I rode it untold thousands of miles before, during and after the Tour Divide, and even though the Reba shock is shot, the wheels are ancient, the tires are worn and various parts are creaking, and even though the frame is too small for him (hello toe rub), he's still been grabbing it as his bike of choice on our evening rides. He even rode the singlespeed the day after the San Diego 100, clearing all of the steep pitches that give me stomach aches when I'm fresh. Beat says he enjoys singlespeeding because it draws his concentration away from his bicycle and gear, and allows him to respond to the terrain with body movements. In that way, it's more like running ... which gives me more training ideas.

In final news, I finally got my last book proofs through the system and am ordering my first batch of paperbacks, so they should be ready to distribute by the end of next week or early the following week. (Link to eBook here.) They also will likely be available on Amazon and other online book retailers within that time period as well, but I will be offering signed copies for a couple bucks cheaper, so you should buy them from me. I'll start offering pre-ordering on Monday. For now, I have three copies of my new book to give away to three random blog commenters. I've been posting updates to this blog since November 2005, and obviously this blog has changed and evolved quite a bit since that time (as have most people over six years of their lives.) I've always been a little curious if there's anyone left who read this blog way back then and still checks in from time to time. So for a chance to win a book, all you have to do is leave a comment with a guess of when you first noticed my blog (formerly "Up in Alaska") and how you came across it. Even if it was just two minutes ago because you Googled "Are All Alaskans Crazy?" If you don't want to post your name or info, just type in an alias. I'll randomly draw the winners and post them here on Monday with a request to e-mail me so I can mail you a book.

So again, leave a comment telling me when you found this blog, and possibly get a free book! Easy!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and does something long and fun. I'm headed to the Tahoe area to do some trail work and maybe squeeze in a training run near the TRT100 course. Here's hoping I get to traipse through some snow.

165 comments:

I've been following since late 2006 when the desire to move to Alaska began to fully form in my mind. As a road cyclist I found myself googling "cycling" + "alaska". After visiting Homer in summer of 2007 I found myself with an even greater reason to read the blog weekly.

Hi, found you through "fat cyclist" back in 2009, while being stuck in a chair for 3 months, learning for my final exam ever (after 4 years of residency in small animals internal medicine) - I was desperate for movement and the outside and your blog provided that in a way. Thanks!

I found your blog after meeting you in Hawaii while you were helping Geoff for the HURT 100. It was great to meet you and then last year I remember passing you and Beat in the dark on a HURT loop during the race. Your blog is one of my favorites because you not only like to write, but you like to include a few photos to add to the details.

Hey Jill - awesome stuff going on with you lately. I've been reading your blog at least weekly since 2005/6 or somewhere in there, which would make it pretty much 80 percent of my total recreational reading, which is terrible, but on the other hand, your writing is great, and your adventures entertaining, so I suppose we read what we enjoy, regardless of if it turns up in the New Yorker or on blogger.com - I predict great things. You are so freakin' inspiring!

I'm not sure how I originally found your site, but it was after Ghost Trails was published and you were living in Homer. I promptly went back and read every post from the beginning. I've really enjoyed following your journey and am encouraged by the epic adventures that you undertake.

Funny coincidence that you are headed to Tahoe, I just flew out on Wednesday after spending a week with family. I can guarantee you that you'll find snow :) I wanted to do some mountain biking at Tahoe, but it sounded like most of the trails were still closed due to snow. I had to be content with some rides near Reno.

Tomorrow, for a change of pace, I'll be doing a supported tour near Coorg in Karnataka, India. No snow here!

I found your site via Fat Cyclist a couple of years ago. I always enjoy reading your posts about what your up to. It interesting and inspiring. I've already bought the Kindle version of the new book and have been immersed in it for a couple of days now. It's good stuff!

Hi Jill, I have been following this blog since November 2005 and enjoy every minute of it - I learned about your blog from Geoff and it is great reading. I have followed all of your adventures (some good and some not so good). You are an inspiring writer and an awesome person. So glad that you have found someone to share all of your adventures with.

Can't wait to read your new book - I bet it will have me glued to it just like Ghost Trails did.

Best of luck with the new publication and will be anxious to continue reading this blog for years to come.

I think I've read your blog pretty much since 2005/2006. I don't remember exactly how I found it, must have had something to do with a search for Alaska, as I visited there in 2005. Have really enjoyed reading all your adventures, and look forward to reading more.

I was bicycling through all the seasons and living in Quebec, I stumbled upon your blog while just googling "winter bicycling", I think back in 2006. Your writing and photography is captivating and resonated with me so I stuck around!

Hi Jill! I found your blog from both Fat Cyclist and Team Dicky, maybe in 2009? I'm a cyclist too and I love reading your stuff. It's helped me keep focus on just pedaling on not stressing about gear or experience! Thanks for your perspective.

Sadly, I only found you a couple of months ago. After getting into blogging (and improving my fitness) a bit over 2 years ago, I started following some of the adventures of a couple of the UK ultra-runner / mtb type folks, and I'm pretty sure I stumbled across you from there - always fascinated at the journey that ends with you guys completing the feats you do!

Totally came across your blog like 2 years ago when i got into endurance cycling in montana. Started reading your journals about the tour divide because I heard about the crazy race that went through my town (butte) every time I chatted with people out riding, and have been a dedicated and inspired reader ever since!

I've been enjoying your adventures since March of this year. I finally got my wife into riding, so as we set up our own blog I searched for women riders out there to help inspire her to push through the initial frustrations of tackling mountain biking... and here we are

Couldn't remember for the life of me when and how I ended up here. Look back through the blog archive and found an entry where you did a guest post for Fat Cyclist back on Nov 20, 2008. I am pretty sure that was it and I have been a faithful reader ever since.

I would guess I've been reading your blog for just about two years now. Don't remember how I found it either (wow - and it was only two years ago!), but I really enjoy your writing, the photos and your perspectives. I bicycle and run also (on a much smaller scale than you do), have spent time in Southeast AK and CA, and have subscribed to Adventure Cycling for years, so was initially attracted to your thoughts on outdoor exercise. Over time though, I realize I read your posts because I really enjoy your overall energy and enthusiasm for life. Thanks for the great reading!

PS Thanks too for changing your font recently! It was hard to read there for a little while ;)

I first started reading during your 2006 Susitna. I found it because I was reading on other blogs about someone named Jill who was racing this crazy race in Alaska. It would later inspire me to buy a Pugsley and race the Arrowhead 135...Minnnesota's version of the Susitna.

I found your blog in 2008 via a link on another mountain biker's blog. You probably don't remember but you helped me decide to buy a snowbike by answering my questions about how well one *really* works. I've adored it (a Fatback) and ride all winter long on the Colorado trails.

I found your blog during your Tour Divide race - I was following John Nobile's race and since you and he rode together for a while, I got interested in your progress as well, and continued on to read about all the the other crazy - surhuman? - things you have been doing. Some call that vicarious living...

I came upon your blog in 2009 after reading this post over at Fatty's blog: http://www.fatcyclist.com/2009/05/21/how-to-defeat-jill-homer/

Been a fan/reader since then.

Regarding your bike training/race running wish, there may be hope. This weekend I met a guy on a big organized tour who rides a bareback bike, as in it has no saddle (top tube actually runs from the headset to the rear axle directly to the chainstay). By standing all the time, he is able to get in "about 70%" of his training for marathons. Oh, and he claimed to ride ~9,000 miles a year on his bareback.

It's been years, not sure exactly but I believe Kent Peterson had linked to your blog so I took a look and just never looked away. My wife and I always talk about your adventures! Crazy fun and one of the cyclists that has inspired me to ride farther.

I first came across your blog when it was mentioned on the VeloNews website when you were training for your successful Iditabike. Was that 2008? I've really enjoyed the outdoor photography and the quest for new challenges and adventures. I can relate.

Hey Jill, I found your blog thru Fatty and I've been addicted ever since. I think it was about two years ago but I've gone back and read some of your old posts to catch up. Keep writing and I'll keep reading!!! Love every minute of it.

I have probably been reading up about your adventures for about 3 years now. If I recall correctly, I think I came upon it by searching something about biking in Alaska. Anyway, I have enjoyed the great photos and narrative. I'm 60 years old living my dreams through others sometimes.

"hurty-foot recovery plan" I like that:) Avoid plantar fasciitis at all costs. Mine has nagged me off and on for years and was one of the reasons I took up cycling.

I plan to start running again next week. I used to run and coach distance and I really do miss it.

You inspired me to try winter riding on a Pugsley and I thank you very much for that. Now, you've inspired me to start up my running once again, but I'm not sure if I'll thank you yet;) We'll see how it turns out.

Wow - I don't know how long I've been following your blog, but it was from Fatcyclist - Gosh, I don't even know how I found him. I remember reading of your Tour Divide - thinking I'd never be able to do that. I do ride, but only on my flat Arizona streets and canals - I really need to get out of town..

I found you through Fat Cyclist about a year and a half ago I'd guess and now check in every day.

I went back and read most all of your old posts and ordered Ghost Trails right away. Stayed up all night reading the day I got it until there was no more. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

You are I are about the same age but our lives are drastically different. I have 2 small children and a 40 hour per week desk job, so my freedom to pursue all sorts of adventures is limited, but I live vicariously through yours and continue to plan for my own adventures when the time is right.

Hi Jill, I found your blog the summer of 2009 while doing a Google search on Alaska for places to live. I was wrapping up nursing school at the time and live in the brutally hot city of Phoenix. I was overwhelmed with endless assignments and clinical rotations and unable to make the trek to the mountains in Flagstaff to cool off. I found your blog while you were riding the Divide. I went back and read every posting you had written. Being stuck in school at the time I was so envious of your freedom and sense of adventure and was able to live virtually through your blog. Thank you so much for sharing the incredible stories and photos of your adventurous life with all of us!

Hi Jill, I found your blog the summer of 2009 while doing a Google search on Alaska for places to live. I was wrapping up nursing school at the time and live in the brutally hot city of Phoenix. I was overwhelmed with endless assignments and clinical rotations and unable to make the trek to the mountains in Flagstaff to cool off. I found your blog while you were riding the Divide. I went back and read every posting you had written. Being stuck in school at the time I was so envious of your freedom and sense of adventure and was able to live virtually through your blog. Thank you so much for sharing the incredible stories and photos of your adventurous life with all of us!

I came across your blog in January or February of 2007, unsure which, after a random search of cycling blogs. Your honest revelations of Susitna and compelling photos had me hooked immediately. Thank you for providing us with ample inspiration to chase down our adventures. Looking forward to reading the new book!

I am saying four or five years - my friend had a link to your blog - yet had never read your blog himself - I turned my wife Stephanie who works for Olympus onto your blog and the rest is history - you and Fatty are only blogs I read religiously - ride/run on

I found your blog because google reader suggested I might like it, and they were right! This was back when you were still in Alaska but about to move away. You write really well and make me want to go out and do something outside that might even scare me a bit. It makes sitting at my desk all day a little more bearable.

I stumbled across your blog through Fatty a couple of years ago and have remained a frequent visitor. It has been entertaining to read about the ups, downs, moves, transitions and the crashes. Thanks for sharing!

PS If I win, can you give away a Nook version as I currently live (and work) in China? :)

I'll exempt myself from the giveaway for obvious reasons, but I found your blog in the spring of 2007 as my family was planning a cruise to Alaska -- I was googling all things Alaska and you popped up. Since I was already a blog addict and your writing style was right up my alley (despite the fact that I haven't ridden a bike in years), I was immediately hooked. :)

Oh, and my photo on here is me in front of that waterfall near the Mendenhall Glacier..the cruise was amazing! We've even trod some of the same ground, because we took that tram up the mountain in Juneau and hiked up around that area.

Found your blog in 2008 when I was researching Pugsley's. After I found your blog I was almost convinced you were a friend of mine (Brit) who had a similar life story, but that you changed some personal details to remain anonymous.

I started following your blog several years ago after completing a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. I found your blog thru the Fat Cyclist blog and I read your post every week. Congrats on your new book. Happy Trails,Sue & Knucklehead

I started reading your blog maybe 2 years ago after a friend repeatedly shared some of your posts from her RSS feed. I spent many hot hours one summer reading your snowbiking archives. It was glorious! Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us.

I've been reading faithfully since 2007. I heard about you on NPR before your first Iditarod biking trip. I actually heard about Fat Cyclist through you! Read the Kindle edition of the book, but would love to pass on the paperback and see any photos!!

Hey Jill - - I'm another reader who first stumbled upon your blog via the Fat Cyclist in 2009 and have been reading ever since. I think you are an incredibly inspiring athlete and I was planning on buying your book (so I don't need to win a copy, if you pull my name).

I'm somewhat neurotic when it comes to blog reading, so the path here was long, tiresome, and blah blah blah. In early 2009 I insisted on reading Bike Snob NYC from beginning to end, and he (at some point) linked to Fat Cyclist. So then I read Fat Cyclist from beginning to end, and he linked to you. And then I read THIS from beginning to end (finally catching up at the end of the Great Divide) and have been here ever since.

Even though I'm a NYC bicycle-commuter, I can appreciate/dream about the great outdoors. Must be nice..

I discovered your blog through Kent Peterson, a local tour divide participant (single speed), excellent writer and bike enthusiast. I check both blogs daily and enjoy reading about your adventures. Keep up the good work and looking forward to reading your latest book.

I found your blog around 2006 when I was Googling "mountain biking in Juneau Alaska". I live here and had recently purchased a bike (the first since I was a kid) with the goal of getting healthier and losing some weight. Your writing and adventures in my own back yard inspired me to actual get on the bike and ride and to see my hometown of 30 years through someone much more adventuresomes eyes. Thanks for that. I still read the blog regularly and continue to ride at least a couple days a week.

Thanks for letting us live vicariously through your adventures AND inspiring me to get off my fat...couch and ride.

First read your blog during a brief, boring stretch at a state office job. You were just getting ready to leave on your first Iditabike and someone in the Juneau Freewheelers mentioned your blog in a Yahoo Group message to the club. Been reading it off and on ever since. Random luck that I checked in today!

I came to your blog from Fatty's blog when you were preparing to do your first Iditarod and have been following your adventures ever since. I am inspired by your spirit of adventure and am looking forward to reading your book.

I'm not sure how I ended up here (through Banff Trail Trash maybe?) but it was in early 2010 when you were still living and hiking in Juneau. I didn't get really hooked until you book popped up in my recommended reads on Amazon around Christmas - I read it, loved it, then proceeded to read through your *entire* blog over a couple of months. It helped me cope with some illness and depression.

Simply in awe of your mastery of the written word, at how your words transport your readers along for every ride, jog, and slog up the coldest Alaskan peak and, more currently, every descent into the California canyons. Stumbled upon your blog, circa 2007, though a fellow Alaskan's blog, Ed P., whose blog was fantastic too- loved learning about the scientific explanations behind the Alaskan topography and the peculiarities of water, like formation of hoar frost! Thanks for sharing your writing, which easily provided entertainment and vicarious living through my bedtime reading of your blogs! Best to you always!

Been following since 2008. Came across it from a link on Fatty's blog. Don't put me in the running for the book because I've already got it on my kindle. Love the blog. Have you thought about being a guest on bicycleradio.com? They do a podcast on Tuesday nights. I think listeners would be interested in your book. I'm enjoying your book by the way.

I've been reading since I found out I worked two cubicles away from a crazy winter biker who loved riding in the rain, snow, slain, hoar frost and whatever else Southeast Alaska had to throw at her. Even after her departure from sleepy Juneau, I check it weekly to make sure she's still doing all the crazy things I would expect. Keep it up Jill! (I'm sure you don't miss the perpetual soggy sneakers)

After spectating the Leadville 100 in 2005, I stumbled onto the Fat Cyclist. From his site I ventured over here. I'd have to say I've been reading on a regular basis since winter 05/06, but this is my first comment. As a part time adventurer, I enjoy reading about your exploits.

I've been following your blog since um, not sure really! it was still "Up in AK" back when I found it, and I was researching fatbikes (aren't pugs grand?)...loved the pics, attitude, and exploits and have been reading every since!

Well, Jill, I can’t quite remember when I came across this blog or how, but it was probably sometime around 2006. It was my first experience with blogging and prompted me to start my own in 2007. So thanks for the intro. I actually just ordered your second book (congrats, by the way) yesterday from Lulu and I have to thank you for introducing me to them too. I combined shipping with your book and my first – it’s my first copy – I’ve never even seen it! Just a bunch of years of poetry that I can’t hardly recommend but still will be nice to have it all bound up in book form on my shelf. So I guess you don’t have to enter me in the raffle, although it would be cool to get a signed copy. One of these days I’m still hoping to reach the 50K level though so maybe then I’ll find you at a race and you can sign my copies then. You’ve helped a lot of people along their paths. Thanks, really, a lot…

I found your blog when you were just moving to Homer. i'm not sure how but most probably through Fat Cyclist. I have been reading every post for many years, it's my favorite blog. Very well written and the pictures are amazing.El animal

Hi Jill,I found your blog in September of 2007. I remember the date because I had just started a Master's degree program and instead of reading my homework, I spent my evenings reading the archive.

I found it on accident. I was looking for something else related to Alaska (can't remember what), came across your blog, read a few entries and moved on. But then discovered I couldn't get your writing out of my head so I bookmarked the site and have been checking it daily since.

I found the blog about 4 months ago when my mother (who also follows your blog) let me know about the Susitina 100 and that I had to read your blog entries on the race. I've been following since. I love to read cycling adventures.

I can't wait to read the new book! I first started reading your blog a few months before you moved to Anchorage. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago but reading about your training and races has really motivated me and helped me challenge myself more with my own training. Thank you!

I love bikes and great story tellers. A friend of mine rode his bike from here (Durango, Co) to Costa Rica and he would post his blog everytime he was able to find an internet connection and I couldn't wait for each installment of the story. After his trip I googled for more bike stories and found your blog on www.bikeblogs.com, which I noticed has not been updated in a while. Keep pedaling.

Kent Peterson and Fatty pointed the way to your blog. I stayed for the writing and photography. I enjoy the diversion and confess to swearing now and then at your freedom to travel. I especially enjoyed the year it seemed like you were climbing a mountain every day in Juneau because I was on a similar streak and wondered how you any energy left to go to work.

I heard about your blog from the blog of a cyclist/photographer in DC whom I met once when I lived there - totally don't remember his name now. I started reading right around the time of your first Iditarod, and I was completely drawn in not only by your account of that race but by all your training logs and pictures. I now live in Chicago and find your winter riding stories endlessly inspirational. I have a 19 mile r/t commute to work and I'm planning my first century ride for hopefully later this month. Anyway, I'm a big fan, and I'm excited your new book!

I saw a link to your blog in a post on an Ohio mtb forum regarding building snow bikes, probably about 4 years ago. Thought it sounded interesting and have been reading ever since. Loved Ghost Trails; can't wait to read your latest!

I first found your blog a year and a half ago during my many forays into online bicycling adventure and dreaming of eventually making my own adventure in the real world. I was struck by your narratives and your photos, which have brought me back regularly since.

I was in Afghanistan in 06, missing the winter riding back home in Winnipeg. I googled winter and biking or something like that and there you were. Reading your blog helped pass the downtimes when I needed to escape reality. I did a cruise to Alaska with my wife a couple of years later and had an awesome day trailrunning around Juneau. Thanks! Keep writing!

Jill, I probably started following your blog in 2007-ish, or whenever it was you got Pugsley and were seriously training (Ididarod??)... I had found about about Surly Pugsleys from Icebike, then stumbled upon your blog, and have been quietly following ever since! - Rachel from Bend

Hi,I think I found your blog while pregnant with my kiddo 3 y ago (he's 2.5) yearning for ak and long rambling adventures on foot... maybe linked through another blog from a runner girl (sealegs)... i can't quite remember... i just know it was about the same time i figured out the "favorites" button on the computer (i'm slow with tech stuff) cuz it's my first in line fav button. :) my "long rambling adventures" are shorter now tho i still find time for a 50k and shorter race here and there... but i look fwd to introducing the kiddo to the lifestyle more and more. thanks for writing. i'd love a copy of your book... especially because i love to hold a book in my hands, dog ear the pages, and see it on a shelf waiting to be perused again.... or starting up a conversation with someone who sees it sitting there, too. i lived in ak awhile back... and it continues to be a part of me tho I'm not living there now... and so do the people, the trails, the mtns, and the weather.cheers and best wishes on your continued adventures--all aspects.kristin zoregon

About 10 months ago, from the Fat Cyclist blog (I was doing research for my highschool graduation project on endurance cycling). You ended up motivating me to complete my first century, and sign up for a cross-America ride (I leave next Thursday, eep).

Sorry if this seems like I'm sucking up to you for a free book; sure, I'd love to win it, but I doubt this comment would (or should) sway you much. But i've never really gotten up the courage to comment on your blog, so I figure this is as good a time as any.

I've enjoyed your writing and your pictures for a while. A fellow cyclist forwarded a link to me sometime back when you were living in Juneau way before you developed an interest in hiking the mountains surrounding you. I'm looking forward to your next book.

I started bike commuting in Ottawa in 2006 and so started reading a bunch of bike blogs. I think I found yours in 2007, but I don't remember where I found the link. I've been a regular reader since then. I loved the new ebook. :)

I found your blog last July when I was laying in the hospital after a bike wreck. I think I found Fatty's first (probably b/c I spent a LOT of time playing on my iphone while watching TDF - what timing to end up stuck someplace with cable!). I checked out most of his blogroll and I stuck with yours.

According to your archives, I have been reading your blog since early 2007. I was living outside at the time, and looking for any little bit of 'Alaska porn' to sustain me until I could move north again. I stared reading for the pictures of Juneau (my favorite set being your mountain binge), and I will stay for the writing. I will continue to follow you no matter where you live.

You will have to thank Elden for having you as a guest talking about snow biking. Been reading ever since. Love your work. Count me in for a signed copy of the new book. Can't wait to read it after faithfully cheering for a blue dot on a computer screen for 24 days, you certainly didn't disappoint.

I am pretty sure that I found your blog from the Alaskaultrasport website, I think there was a link to "Jill's story" which pointed me to your blog. I really like to read about other people's race experiences, it gives me a good taste of the fun that I quite enjoyed. I am currently on hiatus from racing while my children are young, but I am planning to do the Nome race in '17.Doug

I found your blog after finding love cycling at the age of 47. You inspire me to keep on going, not to give up, even though I am such a newbie. I've always been fearful, but I am shedding that past. Thank you for showing me a new journey!

I think I've been around since the beginning (I'd have guessed more than six years), before any of the big rides or big runs. It's been fascinating and inspiring to see how you've evolved in your riding, writing, photography and running. I don't know how many times I've found myself riding into a headwind and thinking, wonder what Jill's doing today? Thanks for keeping at it!

I've only been reading your blog a few months. Because I'm a woman into the outside, I'm always looking for blogs by other women. I also live about 10 min. from you and was surprised to see my neighborhood in your pics before you changed your location from Montana. Thanks for all your inspiration.

I've been following your evolution for about 5 years, as a snow biker, tourist, ultra cyclist, and now endurance runner. I don't recall how I stumbled on your blog, but have really enjoyed it. The $64,000 question is, "What next?" I have enjoyed your trip every step of the way. Thanks for the window to your life.Martyuma

I can't remember when or how I fisrt started reading your blog. Maybe around the time you wrote about the frostbite incident. Funny story though - I was telling my friend about you, "there is the blog I read..." and how I thought you were totally kick ass. Then the conversation evoloves from one endurance sport to the next, being running (my friend is an ultrarunner) and 20 minutes after I metion you, he mentions Geoff Roes. I was like wait - the girl I was just talking about is his ex!

I started reading your blog quite faithfully sometime in 2005. I moved to AK about the same time you did, I think...June 2005 for me...and ran a search on Alaskan Blogs because I wanted to learn more about blogging! Found yours first thing and got hooked then. Thanks for all the great reading; it remains the best blog I've read ever since then! I'm still up here, by the way. And I've seen you in the flesh at the start of the ITI! By the way, I think Mama Roes deserves a free book, somehow! Congratulations on your latest!

I can't remember how I came across your blog. I think it was in late 2007 or so. At the time that I started following, there weren't too many other followers, maybe 30 some. Its some strange addiction that I've remembered to check back almost everyday for 4 years. Thanks for keeping me entertained!

I had recently been following the Big Ring Circus back in 2005, a blog based in Tallahassee, Fl that you occasionally visit, and that Blogger (Juancho) turned his readers on to this crazy bike chic in AK. Been reading both of you ever since.

I first heard about your blog from another adventure-oriented blog written by a woman. I don't recall which one, but you were in the blogroll. That was maybe two years ago? Maybe a bit less? Not sure, but I love reading what you write!

Hi Jill, I've been following your blog for a couple of years now. A fellow cyclist and photography friend sent me your link when I started talking about making a trip to Alaska. I'll be happy to leave hotter then hell Florida for my first trip to Alaska on Friday. Yippee!I've downloaded "Be Brave" to my ipad and look forward to reading it on the plane.Love, love,love your post!

This is a fun one today...to sit and think back of when I first found you 'Up in Alaska.' I was in Atlanta, and was terribly, terribly homesick for Alaska. I was googling around in blogs for "Alaska" and yours came up first. I immediately connected to your style of writing, georgous Alaska pictures and your love of the outdoors. Funny, I know the exact day - 9.18.2007 - because I stole your old miles/temp format and started my own blog that day! You inspired me to get outside again and rediscover the outdoors (I didn't know I could love the outdoors outside of Alaska!), take pictures and write about it all. Thanks for being there all these years! ;-)

Love your blog...found it 3 years a go while researching Nunuvut and Alaska blogs and was living on a remote Scottish island at the time so had more time to read blogs....but I still follow your adventures with envy!fiona

ps. I read Ghost Trails (delivered by post to the island of Iona on Scotland -- where the postman wouold bring the mail in the house and hand it to us while we were eating lunch!) After I read your book I sent it down to a friend in England. I am eagerly awaiting your next book!!

I found your blog on June 16th, 2011, probably through Fatty's blog. Since then I have read Ghost Trails and I'm almost finished with the pdf version of be brave, be strong (so you can omit me from the giveaway). Both books have been so incredibly inspiring, and I've become obsessed with the idea of training for the Tour Divide. Your writing is just beautiful, and your attitude towards life is one that many people can aspire to! I'll be diving in the blog archives when I'm done with the books, for sure...

Take care of that foot. I've had PF for over 1.5 years and had to quit running and take up biking (maybe a blessing in disguise, but still, you don't want PF!!!)

I am a principal at a school for the deaf. I became interested in your blog over a year ago. Years ago, in 1991, I almost acccpted a job teaching at the Paul Banks school in Homer. I was telling my children about my almost move to Homer and was doing an online search about Homer. Somehow, the search lead to your blog. I am not a cyclist or runner, however your writing does provide a glimpse of a life vastly different from mine in a way that gives me a tiny glimpse of what my life could have been like to experience the beauty of Alaska. Students at my school are amazed at the dedication and endurance that comes from what you do.

I have been reading for several years now, and found you through Fatty, who I found through Skibikejunkie. I have loved reading ever since. I grew up south of Missoula, and have family there. It was fun to read about your adventures there.

Hi Jill, I am not sure how I found your blog (possibly from the Surly Blog?) but I do know it was Nov/Dec of 2008. It may have been a link to your new book that brought me to your blog then, but I do remember that I did order an autographed copy of your new book from you as soon as I found your blog. I am looking forward to ordering an autographed copy of your newest book when it is available from you! Thanks,Ace

Hi Jill.. I believe I started reading in the middle of 2007. I honestly can't remember what led me to your blog. It was probably linked from another blog? Fat Cyclist maybe? I had only been cycling myself for just over a year and was inspired by your words and pictures. Plus, you showed a lot of confidence in the cold! I am a wimp even though I live in a cold northern Michigan. My extremities do not allow me to pursue all that I wish I could outdoors! brr! :) I took some time off from blog hopping about a year ago. Then, my parents visited Alaska last August.. they brought me back a necklace that was made locally in Homer. I thought of your blog & have been following your latest endeavors ever since. I might even start running again. eek.

Yo Jill...just back from the Alaska cruise vacation...(I took the tram up to Mt Roberts, but didn't have the time for the summit hike...sadly, it was a short day in-port).

I found your blog when Fatty first referenced you a few years back (you were still up in Juneau). You were still with Jeff, and I got a signed copy of Ghost Trails even! I will surely be ordering a copy of your new book (even if I WERE to win a copy, I'd still prob get a copy for my brother).

And speaking of Fatty, I know you have a ton on your plate, but he has just started a new mission with World Bicycle Relief (buys bikes for kids in remote places of the world where they need them). ANYBODY can join his team and all miles you run, jog, mt bike, rd bike and prety much ANY other exercise you can think of are accepted...and you get "Kudos" for uploading data (they accept Garmin, or you can manually enter your miles/time/etc). Then SRAM will donate .0015 cents per Kudo, buying the bikes. It's FREE for us...except for our time. You and Beat should join! (and tell your friends!) See Fatty's post from yesterday for the links and info.

Oh, and if somebody (or many somebodies) already mentioned the Fatty/WBR thing, I apologize)...my first day back from the Vac and I have a TON of stuff to do, and don't have time right now to read all the comments like I usually do)

Late to the comment party but don't care about the free book. Glad to pay. Found you when Kent Peterson posted about you on his blog, Kent's Bike Blog. Mostly fascinating reading including the moves and the running stuff.

I don't need a book because I've already gotten them :) but I've been reading your blog ever since Blogger made you a "Blogger of Note" or whatever it was called way back in, oh I don't know, maybe 2005? I happened to stumble upon their highlighted blogs one day and it was the day yours was up. I've been a faithful follower ever since!

Hi Jill, Yes, you still have followers from way back when. I stumbled across your blog a number of years ago. Your posts about your first Iditarod race drew me in. I went back to the beginning of your blogs then and read them through like a book. I sometimes fall behind when things get busy here, but always go back to where I left off and catch up. I really enjoy your posts and they motivate me to ride more. I enjoyed your first book and just ordered the second - can't wait to read it.

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